Hiring Tips for Parents

Your in-home child care provider has been pre-screened and interviewed by the Agency to ensure they meet all of the qualifications and certifications necessary to care for your children. We recommend that you also meet with the caregiver, and contact their references ahead of hiring time.

What Questions should I ask my caregiver?

Questions you may want to ask are:

What length of stay or commitment are you looking for?

Tell me about your previous childcare experiences?

Competency with infants, twins, or other. Explain any special requirements when handling, naps, changing, feeding, etc.

How do you feel about doing extra work ie: housework, errands etc, in addition to childcare?

What schedule are you willing and available to work?

What are your salary and benefit expectations? Overtime? Holidays?

Discussion regarding pets, smoking, other concerns.

What your caregiver should know about your family needs:

Special meal, or food concerns and requirements.

Medical conditions, allergies, special needs of children in household.

Religious beliefs and traditions.

Languages spoken

Driving requirements, where and when. Does caregiver have a valid driver’s license, or have own vehicle?

Other special requirements: tutoring, driving to and from school, potty training, meals, housekeeping requirements.

Activities such as outdoor play, indoor, creative play.

Forms of discipline used within the home, and how you would like your caregiver to deal with inappropriate behavior.

Do you require receipts from your Nanny to claim on income tax? Ask if your caregiver is able to provide these.

How to prepare your home for added safety:

Feel free to contact our Agency to check the status of your caregiver’s CPR & First Aid qualifications

If you have a pool, verify the caregiver is a good swimmer. Ensure all gates are locked around pool before you leave.

Check your home for safety; cover electrical outlets, hide loose cords etc.

Ensure your caregiver is aware of any safety concerns you have and is willing to comply with the house rules.

Leave a detailed note each day for the caregiver; Include a list of emergency contacts, Doctors and neighbours, OHIP numbers etc.

The initial meeting with the caregiver:

It’s a good idea to stay home during the initial meeting and get to know one another.

Observe how the caregiver interacts with your children, and how they respond to the caregiver.

If you have a sitter under age 18, it’s a good idea to meet their parent as well during the initial meeting.

Show the caregiver your home and express any household requirements and/or concerns.

When choosing whether to hire the caregiver, do not ignore your gut reactions.

Other information:

If you are employing a nanny on a full-time basis and have questions about taxes, and Canada Pension plan; contact the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency for more information.   Canada Revenue Agency (tax) 800-959-8281

Important links to visit:

Wage Guide

http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/factsheets/fs_wage.html

Labour Standards
www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/topics/lxn-pup.shtml

How to Register for a Business Number (BN)
www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/tf/rc1/README.html

General Payroll Information
www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/business/topics/payroll/menu-e.html

www.cra-arc.gc.ca/payroll/

Wage Guideline as per Canada Revenue Agency

What employers can deduct for room and board:

Live-in Nannies require a separate, private living quarter.  According to the Canada Revenue Agency the amounts that an employer is deemed to have paid to the employee as wages for room or board or both is set out below:

Private Room (weekly)  $31.70

Meals  $2.55 per each meal, $53.55 wekly maximum

Private Room and meals (weekly)  $85.25

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your caregiver, feel free to contact Family Care Connection during office hours. A childcare coordinator will be happy to assist you.